The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has approved up to $414 million in financing for Global Atomic’s Dasa uranium project in Niger’s Agadez region. The investment is thus a repatriation of American capital to the West African country two years after the U.S. troops left. Global Atomic says the Dasa uranium project is the highest-grade uranium deposit in Africa and has a current mine plan of 68.1 million pounds of uranium oxide for 23 years. In the interim, the financing helps the uranium industry in Niger as the country reconfigures its ties with its traditional mining partners.
Dasa uranium is owned 80% by Global Atomic and 20% by the government of Niger. The DFC financing is part of a U.S. effort to diversify its supply of critical minerals from Russia. In particular, uranium was included in the U.S. critical minerals list in 2025 after the U.S. imposed restrictions on Russian uranium imports for nuclear reactors. Thus, the Dasa uranium project gives Washington another secure source of nuclear fuel. Other major projects that the US is involved in is funding Ghana’s first nuclear power plant, an agreement that dates back two years in Nairobi.
Dasa Uranium Project Navigates Transport and Security Challenges in West Africa
Dasa uranium project is located in a landlocked area, which poses a major logistical challenge for the project, as it needs to be exported to coastal ports. Global Atomic is exploring a northern route through Algeria, as traditional transport routes have become more difficult. In addition, the region continues to be a theatre of military instability and jihadist attacks, which pose risks to mine construction and uranium exports from West Africa.
The uranium sector environment is complicated by the government of Niger’s dispute with French state-backed miner Orano. Despite the recent turmoil in Niger after the 2023 coup, the country is still the world’s seventh-largest producer of uranium.
Dasa Uranium Project Supports Niger’s Mining Sector Modernization
The Dasa uranium project investment is funding for a uranium industry in Niger that has been affected by changes in government and international mining disputes. Furthermore, the government of Niger has a 20% stake in the project, so it is directly affected by the success of the production. The financing decision marks a renewed Western interest in Niger’s resource sector despite recent political changes.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Dasa Uranium Project
- DFC Financing: $414 Million
- Location: Agadez Region, Niger, West Africa
- Developer: Global Atomic (80% ownership)
- Government Partner: Niger (20% ownership)
- Status: DFC financing approved September 2026
Scope
- Uranium mining and production facility
- 68.1 million pounds uranium oxide over 23 years
- Africa’s highest-grade uranium deposit
- Mine development and operations
- Export infrastructure and logistics
Project Highlights
- $414 million DFC financing approved
- Africa’s highest-grade uranium deposit
- Also 23-year production timeline
- Niger government 20% ownership stake
- U.S. critical minerals diversification support
Key Developments
- DFC approved $414 million financing September 2026
- Also uranium added to U.S. critical minerals list 2025
- U.S. restricted Russian uranium imports 2024
- Global Atomic pursuing alternative export routes
- Niger reshaping uranium industry relationships
Key Challenges
- Landlocked location requiring alternative export routes
- Jihadist attacks and also military instability risks
- Transport corridor access difficulties
- Also Niger-Orano mining dispute complications
- Government approval and also security requirements
Outlook
- Alternative export route through Algeria under review
- Mine construction dependent on security conditions
- Financing supports production commencement
- Niger benefits from government stake
- U.S. also secures alternative uranium supply source
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